The Closing the Gap strategy is a long term, Coalition of Australian Governments framework that builds on the foundation of respect and unity provided by the 2008 National Apology to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. In 2008, the Coalition agreed to six ambitious targets to address the disadvantage faced by Indigenous Australians in life expectancy, child mortality, education and employment. Justice targets are yet to be formally included.

In February 2016 the Law Society resolved to commence a strategic campaign known as ‘Closing the Gap’ with an emphasis on the spiralling rates of incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Western Australia. Currently the Law Society’s campaign is being advanced by the work of the Indigenous Legal Issues Committee, the Aboriginal Incarceration and Justice Reinvestment Working Group and the Law Society’s Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group.

Closing the gap policies

Reconciliation Action Plan

The Law Society’s Reconciliation Action Plan sets out a strategy to achieve a profession where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander law students, graduates and practitioners feel valued and respected. The Law Society promotes a community in which members understand and show respect for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures through building relationships and laying the foundation for increased opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

View the Report on Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan Actions

Media statements